From Garden to Apothecary: How to Grow and Use Your Own Healing Herbs
Why Grow Your Own Healing Herbs?
There’s something magical about stepping outside, snipping a sprig of fresh lemon balm or lavender, and knowing you can turn it into a healing tea or soothing salve for your family. Growing your own herbs isn’t just a hobby—it’s a powerful act of self-care, sustainability, and empowerment. Whether you have a big backyard or just a few pots on a sunny windowsill, you can create your own living apothecary right at home.
The Benefits of Homegrown Herbal Medicine
Freshness & Potency: Homegrown herbs are harvested at their peak, giving you the most vibrant flavors and powerful medicine.
Cost-Effective: Seeds and starter plants are affordable, and a little goes a long way.
Connection to Nature: Tending your herbs is grounding, calming, and connects you with the rhythms of the seasons.
Sustainability: Reduce your reliance on store-bought remedies and packaging.
Education: Growing and using herbs deepens your knowledge and confidence in natural wellness.
Five Easy Healing Herbs to Grow (Even for Beginners!)
1. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
A gentle, lemony herb that soothes nerves, supports digestion, and makes a delicious tea. Grows easily in pots or garden beds.
2. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Cooling, aromatic, and great for digestion and headaches. Best grown in containers (it spreads fast!).
3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Bright orange flowers that heal skin, soothe inflammation, and look beautiful in the garden. Use petals in salves, teas, and baths.
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Calming, aromatic, and supports restful sleep. Dried flowers are perfect for sachets, teas, or infused oils.
5. Holy Basil (Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum)
An adaptogen that supports stress resilience and immune health. Makes a fragrant, uplifting tea.
Planting & Care Tips for Success
Sunlight: Most healing herbs need at least 6 hours of sun per day.
Soil: Well-drained soil is best. Amend with compost for extra nutrients.
Watering: Herbs prefer soil that’s moist but not soggy. Water deeply when the top inch is dry.
Harvesting: Pick leaves and flowers in the morning after dew dries, but before the sun is too hot for peak potency.
How to Harvest, Dry, and Store Your Herbs
Harvest: Use clean scissors to snip healthy, vibrant leaves and flowers.
Dry: Tie small bundles and hang upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space, or lay herbs flat on a screen.
Store: Once fully dry, crumble leaves/flowers into glass jars. Label with herb name and harvest date. Store out of direct sunlight.
Simple Recipes: Turn Your Herbs into Healing Remedies
Lemon Balm & Peppermint Calming Tea
1 tsp dried lemon balm
1 tsp dried peppermint
1 cup hot water
Steep for 5–7 minutes. Sip for calm, focus, and gentle digestion.
Calendula Skin Salve
1 cup dried calendula petals
1 cup olive oil
1 oz beeswax
Infuse petals in oil for 2 weeks, strain, and warm with beeswax to melt. Pour into tins for a gentle healing balm.
Lavender Sleep Sachets
½ cup dried lavender flowers
Small cotton bag
Fill bag, tuck under your pillow for soothing sleep and relaxation.
Herbal Wisdom: Safety & Empowerment
Always positively identify any plant before using.
Start with small amounts to see how your body responds.
If you’re pregnant, nursing, or on medication, check with a qualified practitioner before using new herbs.
Community Spotlight: Your Herbal Garden Stories
We’d love to see your homegrown herbs and hear your stories! Share photos or tips in the comments or tag us on Facebook. Growing together is what makes our community thrive.
Upcoming Classes & Events
Ready to take your herbal skills to the next level? Join our next in-person or online class—details on our website! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your apothecary, there’s something for everyone.
Stay rooted and keep growing,
Courtney Hay
Holistic Homesteaders Healing & Wellness
